Governor Umo Eno Commends Air Force Expansion as New 309 Composite Group Launches in Eket

Governor Umo Eno says the new Nigerian Air Force 309 Composite Group in Eket will boost peace and attract investment to the Niger Delta.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 8:52 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Strategic Security Expansion in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Air Force has formally expanded its operational footprint in the South South region with the establishment of the 309 Composite Group in Eket. During an official visit by the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, Governor Umo Eno praised the initiative as a decisive factor in stabilizing the state’s security landscape. The Governor noted that the presence of a dedicated air force unit provides a necessary deterrent against criminal elements that have historically targeted the state's economic corridors, thereby creating a safer environment for both indigenous residents and international partners.

Protecting the Economic Heart of the Niger Delta

According to Governor Eno, the operationalization of this military unit is fundamental to the broader economic development of the Niger Delta. By reinforcing the protection of critical national infrastructure, the 309 Composite Group is expected to act as a catalyst for new business activities and industrial growth. The Governor emphasized that security is the bedrock of prosperity, asserting that the Air Force's heightened presence will directly translate into increased investor confidence and long term economic stability for Akwa Ibom State.

Air Force Commitments to Rapid Response

Chief of the Air Staff Sunday Aneke detailed the strategic importance of the new base, describing it as a forward operating hub designed for advanced intelligence and surveillance. He explained that the unit is equipped to provide rapid response capabilities, which are essential for safeguarding vital economic assets central to the nation's financial health. Aneke maintained that the 309 Composite Group represents a significant step in the military's broader mission to protect the infrastructure that underpins Nigeria’s national prosperity and security.